This is a pic I took in July, in Barcelona, at the Parc de la Ciutadella during my 'summer of soccer'. I had made a decision to invest in my own professional business goals and that meant spending money on a trip to Europe. To find happiness and freedom in your work life, I believe we really have to invest in ourselves and what works for us and our situation. I wanted to visit England again where soccer/football is an enormous economic machine - it is everywhere and feels a bit like paradise. I brought my teenage son along as a gift for graduating high school this coming summer. He wanted to visit Spain and the beaches, and I wanted to visit Camp Nou. Traveling with my son was thrilling and satisfying, and I knew I was investing in his future as well with the experience of world travel. Lucky kid, huh?

This trip brought me soccer connections while also improving the culture and future of my business. It isn't always going to be a trip to invest in (darn), it might be an education, a professional outfit or equipment, or a certification or degree that can take you where you're aiming. Remember, time can also be a currency to invest in your dreams - it doesn't have to be always financial. I'm sure many of you have already invested a lot of your time and efforts towards your work goals. Whatever it takes to get you to the next step in your goals and objectives, please go forward. Plan, then invest in you. You won't regret it. #stayinthegame

RESOURCE: Check out Ellevate Network- a global professional women's network. This isn't a sponsorship; I am just in love with their Twitter feed and resources. #motivationalasheck